Cauliflower is a vegetable belonging to the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli and collard greens.It has a white head and stalk and is surrounded by thick, green leaves. However, the stalk and the leaves are discarded and only the head (white curd) is consumed. Cauliflower can be had in its raw, cooked or pickled form, though it is the raw form that holds the highest nutritional value.The Cauliflower-Gobi Puvvu is known by many other names in India regional wise like –

The allicin in cauliflower is known to promote a healthy heart and reduces the risk of strokes.

Cauliflower contains selenium and vitamin C, both of which, work together to strengthen the immune system.

Cauliflower has been associated with the maintenance of a healthy cholesterol level.

Since the vegetable is rich in folates, it is known to help augment cell growth and reproduction.

High amounts of fiber in cauliflowers, improves colon health and can even help prevent cancer.

Recently, it was found that cauliflower contains ‘indole-3-carbinol’, a substance that can prevent cancers.

The glucosinolates and thiocyanates present in cauliflowers can increase the ability of liver to neutralize potentially toxic substances.

Cauliflowers act as blood and liver detoxifiers.

Researches have suggested that cauliflowers contain certain phyto-chemicals that might help reduce the risk of some hereditary cancers.

Cauliflower is rich in anti-oxidants, which contributes to the overall health of the body and prevents heart diseases, cancer and stroke. Anti-oxidants also destroy the free-radicals which hasten the signs of aging.

The presence of folate (B9) in cauliflower facilitates a healthy pregnancy. The deficiency of folate leads to pregnancy problems, such as, birth defects and low birth weight. Cauliflowers are also powerhouses of B Vitamins 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9.

Regular intake of cauliflower is good for people who look for weight loss as the vegetable is low in calories.

The people suffering from the following ailments can benefit from the consumption of cauliflower:

Arthritis

Asthma

Constipation

High Blood Pressure

Kidney and Bladder Disorders

Other Health Benefits Of Cauliflower-Gobi Puvvu

Cauliflower is a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, which are both powerful antioxidants.

eating cauliflower regularly will help protect you from free radical damage and reduce your risk for diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

It contains glucosinolates and thiocyanates (including sulforaphane and isothiocyanate), which help to increase the liver’s ability to neutralise potentially toxic substances that could lead to cancer if left unattended.

regular cauliflower consumption can help decrease the risk of inflammation-mediated diseases such as arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.

glucoraphin present in cauliflower appears to have a protective effect on your stomach lining. With glucoraphin, your stomach is not prone to the bacterium helicobacter pylori, thereby reducing your risk for stomach ulcer and cancer.

cauliflower consumption is protective against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Cauliflower also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants by themselves have many benefits – they act as an anti inflammatory agent and they help build a health immune system

Cauliflower also helps women during pregnancy. As it is rich in folate and also vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin B, it helps in growth of cells. This ultimately helps in the proper development of the fetus in the womb.

Cauliflower is also a good source of vitamin C which again is beneficial during pregnancy. Thus every pregnant woman should at least eat one cup of cauliflower every day

Cauliflower also contains calcium which has numerous benefits. Calcium helps to make our bones and teeth strong along with many other important functions like transmission of nerve impulses.

Cauliflower also helps us to lose weight. Cauliflower contains vitamin C which is a key element to burn fat. And it also contains folates which again help in weight loss.

To boost vitamin K content in your system, increase the cauliflower content in your daily diet. Vitamin k plays a key role in development of bones as it helps in development of bone cells.

Buying & Storing Tips Of Cauliflower-Gobi Puvvu

While buying cauliflower, look for one, which is clean and white in color. The cauliflower should also hold a cluster of buds and should not be separated.

Buy the cauliflowers that are surrounded by thick leaves, as they will remain fresh for a long period of time.

Refrigerate the uncooked cauliflower in a paper or plastic bag, where it can be preserved for almost one week. Store the vegetable with the stem down so as to prevent the moisture from developing in the floret clusters.

Pre-cut cauliflower florets must be consumed within one or two days as they tend to lose their freshness soon. Consume cooked cauliflower within two to three days of refrigeration.

Cauliflower-Gobi Puvvu Cooking Tips

To make cauliflower, first remove the outer leaves and slice the florets at the base, where they meet the stalks.

Cut them into small pieces, if required. Ensure to trim the brownish colored areas, which are usually found around the corners.

The presence of phytonutrients in cauliflowers produces sulfur compounds if cooked and tends to have a strong odour if the cooking time is increased. Cook the cauliflower for a short time to maintain its crispy texture and to minimize the odor.

Top the cooked cauliflower with cheese sauce, olive oil, soy sauce and butter and turn the vegetable into an amazing side dish.

Cook cauliflower with broccoli, peas, carrots, grated ginger, soy sauce and red chili sauce, which is a perfect accompaniment with meat and rice.

Make a spicy cauliflower topping by mixing curry powder or paprika with butter and lemon juice.